07-05-2025
Operation Abhyaas: Karnataka, Witness To Past Terror Attacks, Conducts Mock Drills
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Karnataka home minister G Parameshwara said the state has critical defence establishments while Bengaluru, besides being India's IT hub, contributes the second-highest GST revenue
Karnataka conducted 'Operation Abhyaas' with a heightened focus as the state has been a target of terror attacks in the past. Bengaluru, the IT capital of the country, is also home to sensitive defence installations.
A mock drill was conducted at the Karnataka Civil Defence premises, while a similar exercise will soon be held at the Chinnaswamy Stadium, said DGP Prashant Kumar Thakur, who heads the Home Guards and Civil Defence.
Bengaluru has witnessed several low-intensity blast incidents in the past, including the 2024 Rameshwaram Café blast in Whitefield, Church Street blast in 2014, Malleswaram blasts in 2013, Chinnaswamy Stadium blast in 2010, nine blasts at different locations in 2008, and the IISc terror attack in 2005.
According to official sources, the Chinnaswamy stadium is one of the venues for IPL matches in the state, which is why it is important to keep it under surveillance.
'A mock drill will also be conducted there as it has been a target earlier as well for terror attacks and it can house more than 40,000 people at one point and makes it a critical location," Thakur said.
'Bengaluru has been on the radar of terrorist activity before. We have identified sleeper cells in the state earlier and neutralised them as well. Our forces are prepared and have been sensitised to handle any situation," said Karnataka home minister Dr G Parameshwara.
Parameshwara stressed that Karnataka hosts critical defence establishments as well, and that Bengaluru, besides being India's IT hub, contributes the second-highest GST revenue in India.
'Such an exercise of getting ready for war was last seen in the 1971 war with Pakistan. A similar situation is now upon us. The Pahalgam incident has deeply hurt every Indian. The question arises – are we weak? Innocent people, including children and tourists, were brutally killed in beautiful Kashmir. Every Indian is fuming," he said.
He said there is a war-like situation looming and people should be ready for any exigency. 'There is a sense that India may go to war, or Pakistan may strike us. The shadow of war looms. We are preparing, and this drill is part of that preparation," he added.
The minister described how civil defence forces are being trained to assist the military, secure public life, and maintain continuity of services like food, water, and healthcare.
''Operation Abhyaas' shows how we can support our forces and help people stay safe during emergencies," he said.
He further said 244 districts across the country have been identified for their military and strategic importance, including three places in Karnataka – Raichur, Uttara Kannada, and Bengaluru.
'Raichur has several power stations. Karwar hosts our naval base. Bengaluru has vital defence and IT clusters," he added.
While observing the rescue drill, Parameshwara also had a note of caution. 'I felt the rescue could have been faster. In a real situation, every minute matters. Even the fire personnel took 10 minutes to come down a ladder. This was a demonstration, but we are confident real-time responses will be quicker," he said.
Calling the exercise crucial, he stressed on the need for public preparedness. 'We all must be prepared. We request the media to show this across the state so people know how to react. We will educate students in schools, colleges, and universities. Our officials will be sent to sensitise them," he added.
Coastal guards and naval forces are also on alert, Parameshwara said. With Karnataka's long coastline, coastal security forces have ensured that the borders are ready and fully geared up for any emergency, he added.
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